Custom color UK

[arrogcow]

For some time now, I have been thinking about a green workmans. This past weekend I worked at the UK booth at the Dayton Celtic Festival, and on the rack was a white (dyeable) in my size. Now, I have never dyed anything before in my life, but I decided to go for it (the red one that I have was dyed before I bought it).

Well I took it home, bought appropriate dye and went to work yesterday morning. I was trying for a dark hunter green. Well while the dye job itself is perfect (I was extreemly worried about unevenness since the red one is a little uneven), however, I didn't leave it in quite long enough (after 30 min it looked almost black while still wet). So what I have is really an almost OD green kilt, not the olive color that UK sells, but truely the color of new fatigues.

The only fault I have (see I can find fault with UK) is that, as posted elsewhere, the stitching doesen't hold the dye. As a result it is kind of like Levis of yesteryear where the white (or gold in Levis case) is very visible. Not a bad thing, but it does seem a little silly to sell a fabric that is specifically designed for dyeing to not have dyeable stitching as well. The red one doesent have white stitching, but it was not the Vegan version that UK is seling now.

Other things I have learned. I have never tried fabric softener with a UK (or with anything for that matter). However, since I was in the laundry asile anyway, I said what the heck. After the dye bath, and 1 1/2 washings to get all the extra dye out, and adding the fabric softener, I have the softest workmans in my collection (I have one that is 3 1/2 years old, worn to death and washed dozens of times that is still stiffer).

The color is a little bright, but once it fades a little, this is definitely going to be my favorite for a while.

UK is discontinuing the white fabric soon. If you have any desire for a custom color, get it now, you won't be dissapointed.

Adam

[Dreadbelly]

Stop being a tease! We want pictures!

[arrogcow]

I can't seem to get yahoo to let me post a pic here, but here is a link.

Adam

[Riverkilt]

Adam, you "mad scientist" out there taking risks...that's the spirit! :smile:

You're a braver man than I am...I opted out of my dye plans, but based on my fears of being able to "do it right."

Thanks for the heads up on the thread though...like you, wouldn't have guessed.

Been thinking of something along the lines of the "Painted Ponies" project on a white kilt, but think the pleats would mess up the art...

Still don't understand why UK is discontinuing the white workman's...its perfect for bakers, massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, dentists, docs, et.al. that wear white as a standard working outfit.

Ron

[arrogcow]

My understanding is that they can no longer get the fabric (or at least at a price point that keeps them from raising prices). Green cammo is going as well, at least for the moment.

Adam